Lent is time for spiritual renewal

FALL RIVER — Lent, the 40-day season of prayer, sacrifice and almsgiving in preparation for the joyous celebration of Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 13.

FALL RIVER — Lent, the 40-day season of prayer, sacrifice and almsgiving in preparation for the joyous celebration of Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 13.

Parishes throughout the Fall River Diocese will mark the start of Lent with the traditional rite of distribution of ashes.

Ashes, symbolic of penance, are blessed and distributed on that day as a reminder that Lent is a time for repentance and spiritual renewal. Ashes are used to mark on the forehead of the faithful the Sign of the Cross, with the reminder: "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel" or "Remember you are dust, and unto dust you shall return."

Bishop George W. Coleman will celebrate the 12:05 p.m. Mass on Ash Wednesday at St. Mary's Cathedral, 327 Second St., Fall River, during which he will bless and distribute ashes to congregants, marking for them the start of their Lenten journey.

The Church calls for days of abstinence and fasting during Lent: Abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday, all Fridays during Lent and Good Friday for those aged 14 and older; and fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday for those aged 18 to 59. Fasting is defined as eating only one full meal. Two other meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one's needs.

Those who are not obliged to fast or abstain from meat are encouraged to join in those disciplines to the extent that they are able.

Catholics are urged to regard the Lenten season as a serious time for spiritual renewal by intensifying prayer, practicing works of piety and seeking out opportunities for charity.

Most parishes in the diocese provide additional liturgical services and/or programs as opportunities for spiritual growth during Lent, and in some deaneries —-or geographic regions — of the diocese, parishes work together to sponsor retreats. Parishioners should check their parish bulletins for listings of such events.